Nigeria's FAAN to roll out V-Pass biometric system at domestic airports
Nigeria’s aviation authority is deploying a facial recognition system to streamline domestic passenger processing and give airlines real-time operational data.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is rolling out V-Pass, a biometric identity system developed with Verxid Technologies Limited to automate domestic passenger processing.
The platform requires a one-time enrolment. Nigerian passengers will register using their NIN and a facial scan, while foreign travellers will use international passports via optical character recognition and biometric authentication.
Once registered, biometric processing takes less than 30 seconds, compared to about one minute for first-time users. Passengers will interact with self-service kiosks or receive assistance from FAAN staff to navigate the new infrastructure.
The technology introduces a dual-verification check, screening individuals before they enter restricted areas and again prior to boarding. E-Gates will automate access to these controlled zones, which FAAN expects will reduce queues and improve passenger flow.
For commercial carriers, the rollout digitizes operational visibility. Airlines will be granted secure access to flight schedules, passenger manifests and boarding statistics through a dedicated digital platform.
On the administrative side, FAAN will utilize a Central Management System to monitor passenger movement, generate analytics and support future integration with other airport systems. Adebola, FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, said the initiative demonstrates a commitment to upgrading passenger facilitation and aviation security.
The authority must still navigate data privacy sensitivities. FAAN spokesperson Henry Agbebire emphasized that the system complies with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, noting that passenger data will not be stored locally on kiosks or handheld devices.
A full deployment will follow a live proof of concept and technical site assessment. Agunbiade noted that V-Pass is part of FAAN's broader digital transformation agenda to build a smarter airport system. FAAN and Verxid are also planning a nationwide sensitization campaign across broadcast, social media and airline channels ahead of the launch.
